Winter

Japanese Loungewear: Jinbei, Samue, Hanten & Yukata to Wear at Home (From a Japanese Mom)

A Japanese mom’s guide to jinbei, samue, hanten and yukata at home: what each one is, how to check “Made in Japan” on Amazon, sizing, and left over right.

2026.10.09

Home & Zakka

Where to Stay in Tokyo for New Year’s Eve 2026–27: Best Areas for Hatsumode, Countdowns and a Quiet January 1

Where to stay in Tokyo on December 31: pick an area by your midnight plan, with walks to shrines, all-night JR stations and Dec 31 hotel prices.

2026.10.08

Travel & Sightseeing

Japan Over New Year: What’s Open, What’s Closed, and How to Plan Dec 28–Jan 4

Planning a Japan trip over New Year? Here is what is open and closed from December 28 to January 4, plus hotels, trains, and a simple 3-day plan.

2026.09.22

Travel & Sightseeing

Japanese Winter Dry-Skin Kit: What a Japanese Mom Actually Buys (Hands, Lips, Throat & Bath)

What a Japanese mom uses for dry winter skin: hand cream, lip balm, a wet mask for sleeping, bath salts and kairo, with Japan drugstore prices and which ones are on Amazon.

2026.09.14

Beauty & Skincare

What to Wear in Japan in December & Winter: A Japanese Mom’s Real Guide (Tokyo, Kyoto, Hokkaido)

What to wear in Japan in December and winter, from a Japanese mom: real temperatures for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka and Sapporo, plus layering for heated trains, shoes, and kids.

2026.08.18

Seasonal Essentials